Am working on a review for Meathenge on Craycort's new cast iron replacement grill for the weber kettle. I had planned on doing just one review, but after using this past weekend, I need to let everyone know how fantastic it is. It is as awesome as it sounds.

I know it sounds odd, but my first use wasn't in my kettle, but over a hole I dug at a friend's place up in Calistoga. Figured I had the weekend and a perfect time to goof off and see what it can do. It's preseasoned, ready to go. I tossed chicken, sausages, bacon (cooked directly/indirectly), country style pork ribs and a good sized beef tri-tip on the sucker and it was absolutely delightful! I'd forgotten how nice it is to actually grill using cast iron. It's well made, the cast looks solid with no imperfections. The preseasoning was complete and works as it should. After I was done cooking, used a grill brush and cleaned it right up.

There are 4 removable sections so you can get access to the fire below, or buy an additional griddle for it. There's a few things you can buy in conjunction with it, here's their web site: http://www.cast-iron-grate.com/

I had a few email conversations with the owner/inventor and he's a really nice guy and contacted weber directly along with many other big players. Nobody wanted anything to do with it, so he set himself up and is selling the rigs himself. Personally, I think they really blew it. While the basic 22.5" rig costs about 85 bux, it's a great way to breathe new life in to an already fantastic charcoal fired pit.

I stopped by here because I want to make sure this guy is able to get his new product and company off the ground and because it's a great grate.

Thanks for taking the time to review this. Very interested in it. David

You should be, I'll be doing another review on Meathenge here in the next week or so. They sent me the griddle insert and chicken cooker rack thingy a few weeks ago. It's a perfect holiday gift. So far, it's one of the few things you can buy for the kettle that will make it oh so much better than before. Or breathe life in to a neglected rig.

Speaking of which, the kettle I'll be using couldn't possibly be more neglected. It's red, more than 20 years old and hasn't been used in maybe 10 years or more. The bottom vents have seized, grates have more than rusted beyond use, the wooden handles are a shambles. It'll be fun making it all go!

i am also glad you reviewed this product, i will definitely be getting one for myself!

You're welcome, am still impressed. They sent me the griddle insert and the upright chicken cooker thingy, haven't had a chance to check that out yet. The weather is picking up, time to give them a shot!